Quick answer: The fastest and most affordable way to get from Belfast to Dublin Airport is by coach. Aircoach operates the 705X express service directly from Belfast city centre to Dublin Airport, with 17 daily departures running 364 days of the year. The direct journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Tickets are available to book online in advance starting from only £11/ €12, with group discounts of up to 20% available for eligible passengers.
You've got a flight to catch. The last thing you need is a complicated journey to the airport. Whether you're heading off on holiday or travelling for work, getting from Belfast to Dublin Airport should be the easy part - and with a bit of planning, it will be.
This guide covers all the realistic ways to make the trip - by coach, car, and train - with an honest look at the pros and cons of each, so you can pick what works for you and get on with the good bit.
How Long Does it Take to Get From Belfast to Dublin Airport?
Journey time depends on how you travel. Here's a quick breakdown:
- By coach (Aircoach 705X): Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, direct to the terminal
- By car: Around 2 hours, though traffic around Dublin, particularly at peak times, can add significantly to this
- By train: No direct service exists. You would need a train from Belfast Grand Central Station to Dublin Connolly, followed by a separate bus connection to the airport - roughly 2 hours 45 minutes in total, without accounting for waiting time
For most travellers, the 705X coach is the most straightforward option: direct, frequent and no parking faff at the other end.
Your Travel Options From Belfast to Dublin Airport
Coach: The Most Practical Way From Belfast to Dublin Airport
For most people making this trip, the coach is the obvious call. It's direct, it's affordable and it drops you right outside the terminal doors - no transfers, no sat nav stress, no circling a car park.
The Aircoach 705X runs a direct express service from Belfast city centre straight to Dublin Airport, with stops at both Terminal 1 (Zone 2) and Terminal 2 (Zone 20). No changes. No faff.
Where does the Aircoach 705X depart from in Belfast?
The 705X departs from Belfast Grand Central Station. From there, it travels directly to Dublin Airport, calling at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, before continuing on to Dublin City Centre (O'Connell Street).
How frequent is the service?
Aircoach 705X runs 17 daily services from Belfast to Dublin Airport, with a further 17 heading back to Belfast. The service runs 364 days of the year, so whether you're catching an early morning departure or a late-night return, there's a service to suit.
What does it cost?
Single tickets from Belfast to Dublin Airport start from £11/€12 when you book online. A couple of ways to save:
Young Persons Fare: Our exclusive Aircoach discount. Passengers aged 14 - 21 get 20% off when booking online
Family Discount: Families with 2 adults and 2 children receive an automatic 10% discount online; children under 3 travel free
What's included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes a luggage allowance of 1 x 20KG bag or 2 x 10KG bags, so there's no stress about what to pack. On board, coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi, charging points, onboard toilets and comfortable reclining seats - plenty of time to catch up on emails, doom scroll or just switch off before the flight.
Car: Flexible, But It Comes at a Cost
Driving from Belfast to Dublin Airport gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule. The journey is around 100 miles / 160km and typically takes about two hours - though that doesn't account for traffic delays, which can be unpredictable around both cities, particularly on weekday mornings and evenings.
There's also the question of cost. Fuel, tolls and airport parking can add up quickly, especially for longer trips. Airport parking at Dublin Airport varies depending on how far in advance you book and how long you're leaving the car, but it's worth factoring in before you decide.
Train: An Option, But Not a Direct One
There is no direct train from Belfast to Dublin Airport. The closest option involves taking the Enterprise service from Belfast Grand Central Station to Dublin Connolly Station (a journey of around 2 hours and 15 minutes) followed by a separate bus connection to the airport. That connection adds at least another 30–45 minutes, plus waiting time between services.
For most travellers, the combination of a longer overall journey, the inconvenience of changing services with luggage and limited late-night and weekend departures makes the train a less practical option for getting to Dublin Airport.
How to Choose the Right Option
We think that Aircoach is the best option but there's no single right answer, it depends on your situation.
Choose the coach if you want the most direct, cost-effective route from Belfast to Dublin Airport with no changes and no parking to worry about.
Choose the car if you're travelling with a large group or have specific timing requirements that don't align with the timetable.
Choose the train only if you have a lot of time to spare on your hands.
A Practical Note on Luggage
Aircoach coaches have dedicated luggage storage, so travelling with a full suitcase or a couple of bags isn't a problem. Your ticket covers 1 x 20KG bag or 2 x 10KG bags as standard.
A Practical Note on Terminal Pick-Up
The 705X picks up and drops off directly outside Terminal 1 (Zone 2) and Terminal 2 (Zone 20) at Dublin Airport. Follow the signs from the terminal and you'll find the coach zone without any bother. If you're unsure which terminal your flight departs from, check with your airline before you travel.
A Few Things Worth Doing Before You Go
- Book online in advance to secure your seat and get the best available fare
- Check the 705X timetable and pick a departure that gives you comfortable time before your flight
- Allow for traffic if you're travelling during peak hours, particularly on weekday mornings
- Check which terminal you need - Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 - so you're ready to hop off at the right stop
Ready to Go?
Getting from Belfast to Dublin Airport doesn't need to be complicated. The 705X handles the journey so you can focus on wherever you're headed next.
Book your bus to Dublin Airport online today and get the best available fare before you travel.